Collier County commissioners now see potential in the county-owned Everglades Airpark and it seems to be off the chopping block after months of work by staff, pilots and locals to keep it open.
The money-losing airport in Everglades City is one of three airports Collier County owns and operates. The others – Marco Island Executive Airport and the Immokalee Regional Airport – operate in the black.
When talks of closing the Everglades Airpark first surfaced early in 2025, pilots and locals organized. They spoke at commission meetings in defense of the airpark and its importance for both tourism and safety. A group created a nonprofit organization called Friends of the Everglades Airpark. The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) worked to create proposals for attracting pilots and visitors to the airpark…